The Russian embassy in Germany has accused Berlin of "taking the conflict to a new level of confrontation" by approving the delivery of Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. 

On Wednesday, amid mounting pressure, Germany announced it would be supplying Ukraine with an initial 14 Leopard 2 tanks from its own inventory – and would, allow its international military partners to do the same.

Speaking after the announcement, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said: "Germany will always be at the forefront when it comes to supporting Ukraine."

He added that while supporting Ukraine, "at the same time, we must prevent the war from escalating into a war between Russia and NATO. And we will always keep this principle in mind."

As Germany is the export rights holder, this decison opens up a pathway for other countries, including Poland and Finland, to send its German-made tanks to Ukraine. But Russia's embassy in Germany said that Berlin was abandoning its "historical responsibility to Russia," describing the announcement as "extremely dangerous."

In a statement, Ambassador Sergei Nechayev said: "It destroys the remnants of mutual trust, causes irreparable damage to the already deplorable state of Russian-German relations, and casts doubt on the possibility of their normalization in the foreseeable future."

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Nechayev continued: "With the approval of the leadership of Germany, battle tanks with German crosses will again be sent to the 'eastern front', which will inevitably lead to the deaths of not only Russian soldiers, but also the civilian population."

Ukraine has been calling for tanks for several months, but Russia have said such a move would only prolong the conflict. The plans is to send two battalions (28 tanks) to Ukraine. 

Other nations across Europe have broadly welcomed the news, including UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who said Germany had made the right decision. "The right decision by NATO allies and friends to send main battle tanks to Ukraine," Sunak said on Twitter. "Alongside Challenger 2s, they will strengthen Ukraine's defensive firepower. Together, we are accelerating our efforts to ensure Ukraine wins this war and secures a lasting peace."

The French Presidency also backed the move, adding: "France welcomes the German decision, which extends and amplifies the support we have provided with the delivery of the AMX10 RC."

Poland Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said: "Thank you @Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz. The decision to send Leopards to Ukraine is a big step towards stopping Russia."

Finland and the Netherlands have both since said they would be prepared to participate in the group of countries sending tanks to Ukraine. Spain also said it would be open to the idea following the announcement, Defense Minister Margarita Robles said.